Parents and guardians have been urged to closely monitor what children watch during the April school holidays as access to digital and broadcast content increases.
The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) has raised concern over the potential influence of media on young audiences, calling for deliberate parental guidance to shape children’s viewing habits during the break.
In a consumer advisory issued ahead of the holidays, the board noted that children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of media content due to their impressionable nature.
“Research has shown that film and media content influence the behaviour and thinking of consumers, especially children, who are highly impressionable,” the statement said.
The advisory outlines the need for parents, caregivers and guardians to take responsibility for monitoring and regulating the type of audio-visual material children consume.
According to KFCB, this is in line with its mandate to protect consumers, particularly minors, from exposure to harmful or inappropriate content.
The board recommended several measures, including setting clear screen-time limits, restricting access to age-inappropriate material through parental controls and encouraging children to watch content that promotes positive values, creativity and critical thinking.
Parents are also encouraged to watch content together with their children to better understand and guide discussions around what is being viewed.
KFCB urged parents to remain vigilant about their children’s movements during the holidays and to report any harmful or unsuitable content for review and classification.
The board said such actions are crucial in safeguarding children’s well-being in an increasingly digital environment.
In addition to targeting parents, the advisory also addressed video show operators, PlayStation outlets and film exhibitors, cautioning them against allowing children into their premises unless the content being shown is rated suitable for general audiences.
The board reiterated its commitment to strengthening parental awareness through its Parents’ Digital Literacy Programme (PADIL), which is designed to equip caregivers with the skills needed to navigate and manage children’s interaction with digital platforms.
Highlighting the broader responsibility of society, the board stated, “Protecting children from exposure to inappropriate content is a collective responsibility!”
The advisory was signed by Nelly Muluka, the acting chief executive officer of KFCB, reinforcing the agency’s call for a coordinated effort among parents, industry players and the public to ensure children’s safety during the holiday period.
